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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JULY 17, 2026 | The Indian Eye 30

Mayor Mamdani Kicks Off Summer Youth Employment

Program, Providing More Than 100,000 Young New

Yorkers With Jobs and Paid Work Experiences

Participation in SYEP tied to improved school attendance, reduced

incarceration rates, and lower chances of arrest

OUR BUREAU

NEW YORK, NY
ayor Zohran Kwame Mam-
dani has kicked off the Sum-
Mmer Youth Employment
Program (SYEP), as 100,000 young
New Yorkers prepare to step into
workplaces across the five boroughs.
From community organizations and
small businesses to hospitals, cultural
institutions, and government agen-
cies, SYEP offers work experience at
thousands of workplaces across the
city, allowing young New Yorkers to
hone professional skills while earning
a paycheck.
“For so many young New Yorkers,
a summer job is more than just a way
to pass the time, it’s a step towards
their future. For years, SYEP has
helped thousands of New Yorkers
start their careers, hone their pro- program, SYEP continues to create allows participants to jumpstart their arrests. SYEP youth are also signifi-
fessional skills, and give back to the career pathways and expand oppor- careers at thousands of worksites cantly less likely to be incarcerated
neighborhoods they call home – all tunities for young people to explore across the city. SYEP advances the in New York State more than five
while allowing them to earn money,” their interests, gain meaningful work City’s vision of making New York years after their participation in the
said Mayor Mamdani. experience, build professional skills City more affordable by helping program.
and earn a paycheck. By connecting young people earn income, gain valu- Every year, Lyft provides 1,200
“Congratulations to the newest participants to employers, mentors able and transferable skills, and build free two-month Citi Bike member-
and real-world experiences, SYEP pathways to long-term economic op- ships for SYEP participants, enabling
members of the SYEP cohort. helps prepare the next generation portunities. young people to get to their jobs, ex-
We hope you not only learn new of New York City’s workforce while The program offers tailored ex- plore their city and have fun.
investing in communities across the periences to thousands of young New The company also hosts SYEP
skills at work, but new things five boroughs,” said NYC Depart- Yorkers who often face barriers to interns on their Social Impact team;
about yourself this summer.” ment of Youth and Community De- summer jobs, including young peo- participants gain exposure to careers
velopment (DYCD) Commissioner ple at the highest risk of gun violence, in the private sector while building
Sandra Escamilla-Davies. “Alongside NYCHA residents, homeless youth, their leadership and communications
“The road to professional and Summer Rising, Saturday Night youth with disabilities, and those who skills as Citi Bike community ambas-
personal success is paved by pro- Lights, Summer Night Lights, and are justice-involved, or in foster care. sadors.
grams like SYEP that provide young other free DYCD programs, SYEP SYEP participation outcomes “We’re proud to continue part-
New Yorkers the experience they will provides young people with safe, en- cited in studies include improved nering with the NYC Department
need in the future,” said Deputy May- gaging opportunities to build lasting school attendance, connections to of Youth and Community Develop-
or for Health and Human Services relationships, develop skills, discover new skills, reduced incarceration ment because we believe access to
Dr. Helen Arteaga. “SYEP does not new possibilities and create experi- rates, and keeping teens and young transportation is access to possibility.
just develop skills in the workplace, it ences that will shape their futures adults safe—including youth who Since 2022, Lyft has provided free
also provides education in key areas, long after the summer ends.” would not otherwise have access to Citi Bike memberships and hands-on
like financial literacy, and to high-risk Earlier this year, Mayor Mam- paying jobs. Additional research in- experience to help young New York-
communities, so those young New dani released a video encouraging dicates summer jobs save lives, re- ers build real skills — and real con-
Yorkers are afforded the opportunity young New Yorkers to apply for duce crime and strengthen commu- fidence. Because when young people
to achieve long-term economic suc- SYEP, leading to a record number of nities. A 2021 study found that SYEP move, cities move with them,” said
cess and stability.” applications. participation lowered participants’ Inbar Kishoni, senior manager, Com-
“Celebrating its 63rd year as the SYEP is a six-week program, chances of being arrested by 17 per- munity & Equity Programs, Lyft Ur-
nation’s largest youth employment running from July to August, that cent, and by 23 percent for felony ban Solutions.

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